CPT® Code 77406 | Case2Code

Code deleted, see 77402

Official Description

Radiation treatment delivery, single treatment area, single port or parallel opposed ports, simple blocks or no blocks; 20 MeV or greater

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 77406 refers to the delivery of radiation treatment specifically designed for a single treatment area using either a single port or parallel opposed ports. This procedure utilizes simple blocks or may not use any blocks at all. A key aspect of this code is that it applies to radiation beams that are 20 megavolts (MeV) or greater. In the context of radiation therapy, the term "single treatment area" indicates that the radiation is focused on a specific location within the body, typically where a tumor is located, with the intent to destroy cancerous cells. The use of higher energy beams, such as those at 20 MeV or above, is often necessary for penetrating deeper tissues or for treating larger tumors effectively. It is important to note that different CPT codes are designated for varying energy levels of radiation beams; for instance, lower energy beams of 5 MeV or less are coded differently, as are those in the ranges of 6-10 MeV and 11-19 MeV. This structured coding system allows for precise billing and documentation of the specific type of radiation treatment delivered to patients.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 77406 is indicated for the treatment of various types of tumors or malignancies that require targeted radiation therapy. The following conditions may warrant the use of this specific radiation treatment:

Localized Tumors Tumors that are confined to a specific area and can be effectively targeted with high-energy radiation.
Deep-Seated Lesions Lesions that are located deeper within the body, where higher energy beams are necessary to penetrate surrounding tissues.
Recurrent Cancer Cases where cancer has recurred in a localized area after previous treatments, necessitating focused radiation therapy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for delivering radiation treatment as described by CPT® Code 77406 involves several key steps that ensure the effective targeting of the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

Preparation of the Treatment Area The patient is positioned appropriately to ensure that the treatment area is accessible and accurately aligned with the radiation delivery system. This may involve the use of immobilization devices to maintain the patient's position throughout the treatment.
Calibration of the Radiation Equipment The radiation delivery equipment is calibrated to ensure that the beam is set to the correct energy level of 20 MeV or greater. This step is crucial for achieving the desired therapeutic effect while adhering to safety standards.
Delivery of Radiation The radiation is delivered to the designated treatment area using a single port or parallel opposed ports. The physician may utilize simple blocks or opt for no blocks, depending on the specific requirements of the treatment plan. The radiation is administered in a controlled manner to maximize tumor destruction while minimizing damage to adjacent healthy tissues.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the radiation treatment, patients may be monitored for any immediate side effects or reactions to the therapy. It is common for patients to experience some level of fatigue or localized skin irritation in the treated area. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to monitor for any potential complications. Patients may also receive guidance on managing side effects and recommendations for supportive care during their recovery process.

Short Descr	RADIATION TREATMENT DELIVERY
Medium Descr	RADJ DLVR 1 AREA 1/PRLL OPSD PORTS SMPL 20MEV/
Long Descr	Radiation treatment delivery, single treatment area, single port or parallel opposed ports, simple blocks or no blocks; 20 MeV or greater
Status Code	Active Code
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51)	0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50)	0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions	9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82)	0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62)	0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66)	0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family	99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator	Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS)	6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS)	P7A - Oncology - radiation therapy
MUE	Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification	211 - Therapeutic radiology